QUEEN (_bursting into a laugh_). Capital! An extreme case! It would be an extreme case, for the Vicar of God upon earth. For myself you know, I utterly deny his authority altogether, as well as his office (_with sarcastic emphasis_). But look you here, a Pope has given Ireland to England, for an eternal possession, by a solemn bull; and yet, your master Philip has invaded that country, to wrest it from us—His troops are at this moment in Ireland. Tell your master from me, that I will hear no complaints, nor give him any answer, until these are withdrawn (_she walks proudly and defiant_). AMBASSADOR. I am sorry for it, but if you allow these measures to be pursued, you will see when too late, your throne slip from under you. I know your resources, compared with those of France, and that your only safety is behind the shield of Spain. QUEEN (_sarcastically_) I am not going to quarrel with France, who with good reason, keeps a jealous eye on Spain, you know that well, and so does Philip. I intend only to maintain myself, as my father has done before me, independent in my own realm. And as for losing my throne, what raised me to it? Under God, my people who, Catholic and Protestant, alike, agree in this—To hate with all their hearts, a foreign jurisdiction (_she looks with insinuation at him_). France has not forgotten the battle of the Spurs, or the still greater lesson taught her within living memory; when her sixty thousand men, were driven from the shores of the Isle of Wight, like the small dust before the whirlwind by the tall yeomen of the soil (_she proudly walks aside_, _then boldly utters_). The audacious foe that lands upon our shores, will learn to his cost that he has to encounter men. The English of the present day have not lost the spirit of their noble fathers. They will defend their liberties to the death; and should they fall in the great struggle, with the help of God, he will find the body of their Queen, like that of the great Harold in the midst them. With England I will LIVE or DIE, (_she storms about the room_, _the_ AMBASSADOR _gazing on her with stupified amazement_). AMBASSADOR. I am sorry your Majesty views my advice in that light. I shall now take my leave, and report to my master the result of this interview. _Exit_ AMBASSADOR. _Re-enter_ EARL OF LEICESTER. _The_ QUEEN _walking about agitated_, _chafed_, _but exulting_, LEICESTER _laughing as he enters_. LEICESTER. Nobly done, my Royal Mistress—all yourself—you frightened Mendoza, more than he does Cecil. He was under cow from the first and dared not speak up to you as he does to the council. You acted your part to the life, and cannot even now throw off the mask.